Hugo Weisgall's The Golden Peacock: Seven Popular Songs from the Yiddish for Voice and Piano is a remarkable and compelling song cycle based on Yiddish folk songs. Considered the preeminent opera composer of the 20th century, Weisgall was also heralded for his songs and song cycle repertoire.

In my remarks about The Golden Peacock, the work presents seven Yiddish fok tunes selected by the composer from four anthologies. These songs 'speak' about the lives of the people who sang them and-in a way-they are very 'short stories' set to simple, endearing melodies about everyday lives: work, love, children, food and drink, the Rebbe, worry about the future and hope for a better life.

Weisgall made only a few adjustments to the folk tunes with regard to meter or rhythm, and a rare change of note, but they are immediately recognizable. He juxtaposed them with newly composed piano accompaniments, presenting these songs to be heard anew. Within the realm of the composer's harmonies and counterpoint, there are poignant dissonances and angularity, stunning lyricism and gripping sonorities within inventive and complex-yet clear accompaniments.

This performance was recorded live on January 10, 2010 at the Center for Jewish History at a symposium presented by the Center for Jewish History and the American Society for Jewish Music.

Emily Duncan-Brown, soprano & Laura Leon, piano

1. Undzer Rebenyu (Our Rebenyu)
2. Lomir Zikh Bafrayen (Drinking Song)
3. Mayn Harts Veynt in Mir (My Heart, My Soul Cries Aloud)
4. Baleboste Zisinke (The Pretty Mistress)
5. Shlof Mayn Kind, Shlof Keseyder (Sleep My Baby)
6. Der Rebe Elimeylekh (Rabbi Elimeylekh)
7. Di Goldene Pave (The Golden Peacock)

The Golden Peacock: Seven Popular Songs from the Yiddish is published by Theodore Presser Company (1980).